Getting down to business

For the past three days, the Hotelies have been given the chance to explore Microsoft Word 2007 and Microsoft Powerpoint 2007. After under 6 hours of training, I discovered many new functions of Word and Powerpoint that I have never used before. For example, I knew that letter templates could be made for businesses when a large amount of people need to be notified about a similar incident. However, I thought the template-making process would be long and confusing. I was so surprised to learn that I can easily design my own template for my own uses.

Efficiency was a key concept that Professor Marc emphasized. By creating a business memo template and a formal letter template, a hotel business can become more efficient. Rather than designating a worker to spend 30 minutes and type up a similar document each time it is needed, the same results can be achieved in under 5 minutes by typing in the name of the customer and other customer-specific details to a template.

Professor Marc also wanted to show us that this technique of creating templates can also a very efficient tool in our lives. A prime example would be letters that need to be mailed off for college applications. Rather than typing up my own personal information every time I submit a letter to a different college, I can create a template and use the same general information each time. I will take the professor's suggestion seriously and I look forward to finding time this summer to create myself a letter template for college applications!

As for Powerpoint, I learned how to create a professional slideshow without spending too much time. Again, a balance of efficiency and effectiveness is crucial to success in the business world.

In addition to all the fun new technological skills I have learned so far, I love the hands-on perspective of the course. The new techniques I acquired will be immediately put to test. The Hotelies have two formal business memos due on Friday (tomorrow!) and one professional powerpoint slideshow due on Monday! Despite all of the work required to finish these assignments, the process of developing these computer skills was a lot of fun!

Although the 2007 Office edition did not add any new functions, its modified format included a creative ribbon across the top of the screen in place of the ordinary 2003 tool bar. Just the innovative new look of the 2007 series made me feel like I was working on an assignment for a corporate office. After seeing how much I improved after completing the practice templates and slideshow, I felt proud of myself. Yay! We are getting down to business. Literally.

~Yueming W.